Genetic predisposition to colorectal cancer: Where we stand and future perspectives

Table 2 Clinico-pathological characteristics of Lynch syndrome

Clinico-pathological characteristics
The onset of colorectal cancer (CRC) occurs at an early age (average 45 yr)
Predilection to develop proximal (right-sided) colon cancer
High risk of multiple primary colorectal tumors (synchronous or metachronous)
Specific pathological features of lynch syndrome-related colorectal tumors:
Poorly differentiated
Mucinous
Signet-cell features
Crohn’s-like lymphocytic reaction
Excess of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes
Increased survival (in patients with CRC)
Accelerated carcinogenesis
Increased risk of cancer at extracolonic sites:
Endometrium
Ovary
Stomach
Small bowel
Hepatobiliary tract
Pancreas
Upper uroepithelial tract
Brain (Turcot’s syndrome)
Sebaceous adenomas, carcinomas and keratoacanthomas (Muir-Torre syndrome)